Yes, but every effort is made to accomodate first-time applicants. Any remaining places are awarded to wait-listed applicants.

No, you can take only one session a year.

$2,200

No, the bursary is paid directly to the educational institution where you will take your course.

No, it has existed since 1971, previously under the name of the Summer Language Bursary Program (SLBP).

Each participating Explore educational institution has a policy about using the target language. These CMEC-approved policies are provided in writing to students prior to the start of the course. Students who fail to comply with these rules may be asked to leave.

No, you must arrive on the date set by the educational institution.

All participating institutions provide participants with an official certificate. Whether you get credits depends on the educational institution that you will be attending during the following academic year — you should approach that institution directly to ask about credits.

No, materials are supplied by the educational institution. The materials required for teaching, such as course manuals, posters, audiovisual equipment, lab materials, and some exercise leaflets used in class will be provided or lent by the institution.

You must provide your own supplies, such as pencils, pens, notebooks, binders, and paper. Having a French/English dictionary at your disposal is recommended during your entire immersion stay.

Five weeks.

Yes, the institution will administer a post-session test at the end of the course to assess your progress.

You usually take the test when you arrive at the host educational institution.

Yes. You will take a language test before the course starts so that you can be assigned to a group that has the same proficiency level.

Each program offers its own activities and workshops. Some programs focus on themes, such as radio/communications, drama, outdoor activities, off-campus tours, and major culture landmarks.

Yes. Please refer to the course calendar that your institution will provide you.

No, you have to be old enough by the time the course begins.

No, you have to meet all the requirements by the time the course starts.

Yes. If you get a bursary, you will take a language test and be in one of the appropriate levels — beginner, intermediate, or advanced.

You have to be at least 16 years old. Each school has its own age requirements.Click on “Where to Explore?” for more information.

Yes. If you are not 18 at the time of your application, you need the signature of a parent or guardian.

No.

Some institutions accept students who have not received an Explore bursary. These students are “non-bursary” and must cover their own tuition, course materials, meals, and accommodation.

You are eligible to apply for the program if you are a Canadian citizen or have permanent-resident status (those studying in Canada on student visas are not eligible), and be at least in Grade 11 (secondary 5 in Quebec) during the preceding school year or be at the postsecondary level by the time your Explore course begins, and were enrolled in school full time for at least one term during the current school year.

No. Duplicate applications are not permitted. All permanent residents of Quebec should use the MELS Web site to apply. Anglophones temporarily studying in Quebec, with a permanent address outside of Quebec, must use the myexplore.ca website to apply.

Yes. Click on “Where to send your application?,” which has the fax number for the coordinator of your home province or territory.

No. Faxed or e-mailed applications are generally not accepted.

Yes. If you have an account for any of our programs (Explore, Destination Clic, or Odyssey), you can use it to apply to any of the others, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

No. However, the deadline is sometimes extended. Check our Web site periodically.

Be as flexible as possible when filling out the “Preferences” section, i.e., check off as many options as possible.

You must be logged in to your on-line profile and be on the My applications page. Click the printer icon directly to the right of your application number.

Yes. You must print out your completed PDF application, sign and date it, and mail it, along with supporting documentation. Note: Do not send screenshots of your application details. You must print and use the PDF application.

Your tax slip is issued by the educational institution where you took the course. Contact the educational institution directly.

You must have already created a profile for one of our programs (Explore, Destination Clic, or Odyssey). If you have forgotten your username, click on I forgot my password on the Sign In page. A new temporary password will be e-mailed to you.

If you have forgotten your password, click here

It is likely your Internet browser has disabled pop-ups from our site. Make sure to enable pop-ups. Also, make sure you have Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer.

A photocopy of your valid Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate, or baptismal certificate. IMPORTANT: These documents are used to establish your eligibility to the program. Institutions will require more documentation to proceed with your registration, should you receive a bursary.

Click here to apply on-line.

Quebec handles the on-line application of its candidates through the MELS Web site: http://www.afe.gouv.qc.ca/en/autresProgrammes/explore.asp. If you are a resident of Quebec, you must complete your application by using the above link. Failure to do so will result in your application not being processed by Quebec and you will not be part of the bursary draw.

As long as you still have your username and the e-mail address you registered with, you can retrieve your password by clicking on I forgot my password on the Sign In page. A new temporary password will be e-mailed to you.

For security reasons, you cannot generate a new password without your username. Therefore, you should contact olp-plo@cmec.ca for technical assistance. Tip: Check your e-mail inbox for the original message sent to you upon completion of your on-line application. It contains your username.

No. Exceptions may be made only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness, death of a relative, etc.). A request must be presented to the coordinator of your home province or territory, along with supporting documentation. The request must be approved by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

Bursaries are awarded by random draw, and the chances of being able to participate at the same institution with your friends are quite limited.

Every possible effort is made to assign you to one of the institutions of your choice, but some participants are assigned elsewhere if their chosen institution is already full. A bursary could be offered to you elsewhere if you indicated so on your form.

The names of successful applicants are randomly drawn by computer around the end of March.

Following the initial draw, you will have 10 business days from the time the institution contacts you. For additional draws, the confirmation period will be much shorter.

Be proactive. Log into your on-line profile and check your application status.

For privacy reasons, we can’t release any information about applicants.

Contact the institution to let them know. You will not be penalized for refusing the bursary. If you still meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply again next year.

The initial random draw takes place around the beginning of April.

You’ll receive an e-mail in early April.

To fill the places of participants who refused a bursary. Don’t despair! Bursaries are awarded throughout the spring and summer to replace bursary recipients who decide not to participate, so you may still get the opportunity to explore another corner of the country.

Yes, when you fill out your application form, you can indicate your top three preferences. You can also agree to go to different region(s) or session(s) (spring or summer). You may be assigned elsewhere if your chosen educational institution is at capacity.

Click on “Where to Explore?”, check their Web site or send them an e-mail.

The educational institutions were chosen for their high-quality programs and have been accredited by CMEC.

If you have a disability, require medical care, etc., you must contact your host institution as soon as you receive the e-mail informing you of the status of your application. Please note that you may be assigned to an institution other than the one you have chosen, which will be better able to assist you.

Ask your host institution about arrival arrangements.

Generally, no. If you have a major concern, contact the educational institution.

No. Your host institution will let you know what type of accommodation you have been assigned.

You will receive information about accommodation from the institution prior to the start of the course.

Educational institutions offer free activities included in the program. There may be a cost for additional activities. Your institution will inform you of any such costs.

Yes, you have to pay for your travel to and from the location of the program.

No. The fee is payable once your host institution contacts you.

Yes. Your host institution is required to let you know how and on what conditions you can get your deposit refunded.

No.

A $200 registration fee, and possibly a deposit, to your host institution

The deposit covers any damage caused by course participants. The list of institutions requiring a deposit can be found under “Where to Explore?”.

The registration fee (and deposit, if any) are to be paid to the host institution before the course starts, as instructed by the institution.

You can participate in Explore in either spring or summer, which leaves you time to work. Some institutions also offer the Languages at Work program. Call 1-800-267-5173 for more information.

Languages at Work is a Young Canada Works program that offers some Explore participants a summer job at the end of the course. The purpose is to give you an opportunity to speak your second language in a work setting once you have completed Explore.